Ice Fishing - The Way To Keep Away From The Ice

Just about everybody must have heard of the adage "No ice is safe". This, although true to a very large extent, is not really practical for all of us in the North where ice is a daily occurrence and is a part and parcel f our daily life. Ice fishing has a great potential for tragedy when the risks associated with ice fishing are neither understood nor realized and properly prepared for.

At times, the dangers associated with ice fishing are underplayed and overwhelmed by the chances of catching a big fish after downing a few beers with friends. Life and death situations are a daily occurrence on ice so it is vital that you take all the necessary precautions before you venture out on to the ice either in a vehicle or on foot in search of that perfect catch in winter.

Anybody who wants to try their hand at ice fishing needs to be in good physical state and must be capable of swimming or at least of staying afloat comfortably for a length of time. This ability will be critical in case you or your partner cracks the ice and falls into the water. Being able to stay calm in an emergency is also good.

Choose clothing in such a way so that it not only keeps you warm but also does not restrict your mobility in case you fall into the water. Avoid hip boots and waders as they can easily fill with water and drag you down while restricting your motion all the way. A good choice would be waterproof, ankle length shoes with laces in the front. Also, dress in layers so that should the need arise, you can shed a few layers to make yourself lighter and have a few on to keep you warm. A woolen hat will go a long way in retaining body heat.

Always check the condition of the ice before venturing out on it. Ensure that the thickness of the ice is at least six inches to hold the weight of an average human and make sure it is over six inches at various places as the thickness of the ice can vary from place to place. Always remember to scout out the ice on foot with an ice chisel before you drive any sort of vehicle out onto the ice. In case the chisel goes through the ice at some place, stop right away and go back home to come another day.

Loud cracks and booms may denote nothing more than the change in the size of the ice as a result of change in temperature on a lake. But on a river, this sound could indicate the movement of ice and its imminent breakage. Always keep an eye and an ear out for changes in the ice. In case you are traveling as a group, ensure that you walk in a single file with about ten feet between each and every person. Only after carefully inspecting the ice should you take any vehicles onto the ice.

Ice has a notorious reputation for varying from one region to the next. So before stepping out onto the ice, take some time out to acquaint yourself with that area and ensure that you have all the precautions properly in place. In case of doubts, get the advice of people more experienced and trustworthy. Do remember to never go out onto the ice alone and never ever go out onto ice of which you are unsure.

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